Follies & Foibles of a "Beginner Trainer"!?!

Without reference of CKC descriptions or Labradour Retreiver-Breeders' standards, I would have to say the Labradour retriever has got to be the most adaptable dog to our frenetic human lifestyle.  Because mankind has manipulated, 'tweaked' and selected the low-reactive (?!), high tolerance traits,as opposed to the process of  natural selection (God's hand is in there somewhere!) an UN-TRAINED Labradour's intelligence can be questioned; but most assuredly, the breed has proven to have provided the most intelligent Canine Workers!

I have offered to help a dear friend with training her new family member so that she - the dog - might easily  (therefore obediently) become an active member of  her already large family of seven!

Session Two was this afternoon.

We, Obee & I, have experienced a myriad of training methods (although, admittedly only six years worth!); from the Koehler-predominant Peterborough & District Obedience Club (PADOC); those promoting "Positive-only" methods & then, using a 'Halti'-collar (not a "pleasant" or positive tool!) and now, having learned the principles of behaviour modification and how to apply PAVLOV's developing Behavioural Sciences ... I would have to say that knowledge of BOTH Koehler-method and Behaviour Modification principles make for a tailor-to-dog-temperament - they are still dogs not 'persons'.

I prepared a training plan with the intent of shaping a behaviour of "calmly walking on leash", accepted my 9 yr. old pupil and her 6 mos. old Labradour and ended the session a 40 minute session with a feeling of frustration, thinking, "What did we just do?"

THIS is where I, as of yet,  remain to be challenged: thinking on my feet and adapting, on the fly, to the dog's behaviour!

"... but you must exert your leadership and be sure to keep him understanding WHO is boss!", I can hear it now!

We - Obee & I - learned, very quickly, via the Koehler method.
I learned just how sensitive our Puli is and ventured to adopt the ways of Dr. Sophia YIN, D.V.M., Applied Animal Behaviourist, 
Having tried BOTH methods - and not being qualified enough, yet, to make a third method - but why not combine the two?!?!

NOTES with Rosie ... Word documents being compiled and will be posted HERE!
(guess I cannot "Attach"?!?!)